County call for Matt’s play-off chasing Magpies

The Magpies will renew their rivalry with Stockport County this weekend when they make the short trip Edgeley Park.

The fixture between the two sides has been a feisty affair at times in recent seasons especially after the Hatters signed two of Chorley’s best players last year.

Defenders Mark Ross and Courtney Meppen-Walter moved directly from Chorley to Stockport, although both players are no longer at the club.

One player who is part of the County squad is former Magpie Darren Stephenson.

He signed a two-year deal with County at the start of this season.

Stephenson scored 21 goals for Matt Jansen’s men during the 2015-16 season, which saw him earn a move to Tranmere Rovers.

He subsequently went on to have a spell at AFC Fylde.

Only a point and a place separates the two teams in the league table, with Chorley slipping a place to eighth – one spot above County – after last weekend’s draw at home to Nuneaton.

Meanwhile, AFC Fylde boss Dave Challinor is refusing to look at Torquay United’s seemingly parlous position at the foot of the National League in the run-up to tomorrow’s clash at Mill Farm.

The Gulls’ predicament remains unchanged following the appointment of Gary Owers as manager.

But Challinor said: “From what I have seen of watching Torquay, they will probably consider themselves unlucky that they haven’t got more points than they have since Gary took over.

“Torquay will no doubt be targeting their match with us to kick-start their season, just as we went on a bit of a run after beating Wrexham in the FA Cup.”

Striker Andy Mangan is in line for a swift debut for the Coasters during tomorrow’s visit of the Gulls.

The 31-year-old experienced campaigner joined on loan from Tranmere Rovers until December 23.

“I have been looking to bring him in for some time and we have brought him to score goals more than anything else.

“He gives us flexibility up front and he is a really good character around the dressing-room.

“We have signed him until December 23. There was not much point in extending it beyond that as we are playing Tranmere on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and we would not have been able to play him in any of those matches.

“We will see what happens in January when Andy’s circumstances at Tranmere could have changed by that time.”

In the National League North, Kevin Davies will be hoping to register his first win as Southport boss when they host Blyth Spartans.

The former England striker drew his first four games, but watched his men lose 4-0 at Brackley in midweek.